Electric switch.



O. J. KLEIN.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 5, 1911.

1,1 11,7 98. Patented Sept. 29, 1914.

M W l UNITED STATES PA rENT OFFICE.

CHARLES J. KLEIN, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO THE CUTLER-HAMMHR. MFG. (30., 0F MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 29, 1914.

To ail whom it may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES J. KLEIN, a citizen of the United States, residing at I\Iilwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of 'isconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Electric Switches, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to electric switches.

It has among its objects to provide an improved electric switch device adapted to make or break an electric circuit with a quick snap action.

A further object of my invention is to provide improved means for supporting, and insulating a switch mechanism so that it may he inelosed in a suitable receptacle.

Other objects and advantages of my improved construction will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated two forms which my invention may assume in practice. My invention is not, however, limited to these specific forms chosen for purposes of illustration, but may assume other forms.

In the views of these drawings:Figure 1 shows a central sectional view of one form of my improved switch mechanism in position in a socket. Fig. 2 sho\ a top plan view of the switch mechanism. Fig. 3 shows a central sectional view of the same on line 3-4 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a bottom plan view of the socket. Fig. 5 shows a side elevation of a modified form of switch mechanism. Fig. (3 shows a sectional view on line (K l of Fig. 5.

In.thc construction shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive of the drawings, I have illustrated a push button operated snap switch mechanism incloscd between the two parts 1 and 2 of an insulating base which is mounted in a suitable receptacle or socket 3. This socket may be of any desired construction and forms no part of the present invention.

The switch mechanism proper includes an operating member 4 having push buttons 5 carried upon its ends which are arranged to reciprocate through suitable openings 3 in the socket 3. The operating meu'iber l is provided with a central slot 7, preferably substantially rectangular in shape, and upon one of its edges is preferably provided with a cam surface having a crest 8 provided mounted with similar sloping surfaces 9 and projections 10 at the ends of the same. The

operating member 4 is ar 'anged to reciprocate across the upper surface of the base 2 and in a preferred form the surface of this base is provided with shoulders 11 arranged to be engaged by the inner ends of the pv sh buttons 5 and thus limit the movement of the operating member. In a preferred form a guiding member 12 extends through the slot 7 in the operating member 4 and this guiding member is provided with shoulders 13 on its opposite sides arranged to hold the operating member in position. This guiding member 12 is preferably seated in a suitable recess in the upper surface of the base 2 and secured to the same by a suitable screw 14. An oscillating, movable con.- tact member 15 is pivoted upon the guiding member 12 beneath the operating nlemb ere as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. This member'lb is provided with contact surfaces 16 ont'its opposite ends arranged to move over Stittionary contacts 17, mounted on the base 2, with a wiping action when the operating member 4 is actuated. In a preferredforni one of the ends of the movable contact mem-. ber 15 is provided with a chamber or'race way 18 arranged to receive the bearing member 111 which. when the crest 8 of the cam is moved across the base, is forced'back within the raceway 18 to compress a spiral spring 20' wound about a suitable stud 21 at one side of the movable contact member and having one end extending through a pair of transversely extending slots in the sides of the raceway. If do sired, the coiled end of the sprim 20 may be. seated in a suitable perforation in the movable contact member, which has its walls bent outward to form a substantially cylindrical chamber. In a preferred form the movable contact member 15 is arranged to move in a suitable recess 23 formed in the upper surface of the base 2 and the contact members for the same are seated in slightly deeper recesses 21. In addition to the recesses heretofore mentioned the base 1 is also preferably recessed at 23 and 26 to recive the screws or other suitable means for attaching a threaded shell 27 to the bottom of the base. In a preferred form the shell .27 is provided with a cutaway portion 538 and its edges 29 are bent inward and attached to the bottom of the base 52 by means of a plate 30 which receives the ends of the screws, rivets or other means extending through the recesses 25 and '26. The cutaway portion 28 of the shell 27 is preferably located at one side of the same and extends substantially half way around the shell and half down its length. The central contact 31 for the sliellis attached to,

a suitable binding screw or terminal 32 on the lower surface of the base 2 which extends upward through the base 2 through a suitable screw-threaded metallic bushing 33 which in turn is riveted-'or otherwise held by a suitable tap or stri 34 carried upon the upper end of the bus ling and seated in a suitable recess in the upper surface of the base 2. This center contact extends across from the binding screw 32 to the center of the bottom surface of the base 2 and in a preferred form this bottom surface is cut away as at 85 to receive this center contact. The other terminal connection for the shell is provided by a conducting strip 36 having one end bent inward and seated beneath the bent in portion 29 of the shell and its other end extending upward in a suitable groove 37 in the side of the base 2 and then bent over to form one of the contacts 17, as shown in Fig. 2. The other binding screw 38 for the device is attached to one of the stationary contacts 17 in a similar manner to the binding screw 32 and is located adjacent the latter in a separate recess in the bottom surface of the base 2.

Theupper part 1 of the insulating base is arranged to be attached to the part 2 by means of a suitable screw or other means 39 whose upper end is housed in a suitable recess in the top of the part 1 and whose lower end is received in a suitably threaded recess in the guiding member 12. In a preferred form the upper part 1,0f the insulating base is provided with a suitable recess arranged to permit the oscillating movement of the raceway 18 and with suitable projections 40, formed by the grooves in which the push buttons move, which are adapted to cooperate with the projections 11 on the lower base member :2 to snugly inclose the parts of the switch mechanism. The upper base member 1 is also preferably provided with one or more cut-away porticns or grooves arranged to permit the con ductors to be brought down along the side of the insulating base members to the binding screws on the under surface of thebasc u'rembcr 2. In a preferred form the lower base member is provided with a. plurality of coop rating grooves 41 separated by a septum 42, so that the conductors may lie in separate grooves and be readily attached to the binding posts.

i hen it is desired to operate the switch mechanism just described all that it is necessary to do is to force in one of the push buttons 5 to cause the operating member 4 to move across the base. The crest 8 of the cam member is thus carried ast the bearing surface or ball 19 which is fbrced back into the raceway 18 to comprws the spin 20. When the crest of the cam has passe the ball this pressure is relieved and the spring throws the ball forward and down the oppQsite slope of the cam until it strikes the projection 10. The effect of this movement is to oscillate the movable contact 15 about its pivot with a quick snap action and cause the contact surface 16-to move over the stationary contacts 17 with a wiping action. Assuming the switch to be in the circuit closing position shown in Fig. 2, the electrical connections for the same are as follows: from the binding post 38, through the right hand sta'ntionary contact 17, across the movable contact 15, through the left hand stationary contact 17, the conducting strip 36, the shell 27, the electrical device connected within the shell, 'the center contact' 31 and the binding post 32 to the line. When the operating member 4 is actuated to break this circuit the circuit is broken at both of the stationary contacts 17 simultaneously and due to the wiping action which is obtained the'sparking is materially cut down.

In Figs. 5 and 6 I have illustrated a modied form of switch mechanism which may be readily adapted to use as a socket switch. As shown for purposes of illustration, the switch mechanism is inclosed between the two parts 45 and 46 of an insulating base which are spaced apart from and attached to each other by suitable standards 47. In this construction an operating member 48 is arranged to be reciprocated across the base by the movement of push buttons 49. These push buttons preferably move through suitable perforations in the standards 47. The reciprocation of the operating member 48 causes two cooperating members 50 and 51 to be oscillated in opposite directions. Of these two members, the member 50 may be pivoted upon the upper base member 45 while the member 51 may be pivoted upon the lower base member 46, the pivot points being substantially opposite each other. The member 50 is substantially fiat along its body portion and is provided at its end with a cam surface extending substantially at right angles to the body portion. This cam surface 52 is of substantially the same conformation as the cam' illustrated in Fig. 2 although in this instance the ,ends of the cam instead of being in the form of the pro icctions 10 may be slightly flattened as at '33. The member 51 is provided with a central slot 5 1 about midway between its ends and an upwardly extending projection 55 having a. stud 56 on which a spiral spring 57 is wound. One end of this spiral spring wvay carried upon the free end ofthe member .31 and arranged to house a hearing or ball (50 which moves vertically in this raceway and is under the compression of the elongated end of the spring. As in the previous construction the spring is free to move in a'suitable slot 61 in the sides of the raceway. The upper end of this raceway is open. and provided with a transversely extending slot through which the cam 52 is arranged to be moved when the operating member is actuated to oscillate the member 51 about its pivot. In order to limit the movement of the parts 50 and 51 suitable stops (53 may be provided. If desired any suitable stationary contacts 64 and 65 may be carried upon either of the base members in the path of either of the oscillating members. In a preferred form however, I mount the contacts upon the upper base member 1. i

When it is desired to operate this switch mechanism one of the push buttons is pushed in. The projection 58 carried upon the operating member then engages against one of the walls of the slot 54 and throws the member 51 about its pivot. As this member moves the ball 60 is carried along the active surface of the cam 52 and as it moves up the crest of this cam is depressed in the raceway 59 to compress the spring 57. \Vhen the ball passes over the crest of the cam this pressure is relieved and theball passes down the opposite slope of the cam and the cam member 50 is oscillated about its pivot. with a quick snap action. ltis of couise obvious that the switch mechanism shown in these figures may be read ily; h nted to use in a socket or in a wide nmnbcr of other relations.

llv my improved construction I have provided an improved and efficient switch mechanism in which the parts are securely housed bctwccn the parts of an insulating base so that they are efi'ectually insulated and protected. The switch mechanism is of a very simple type which may be manufactured very cheaply and )ct is of a construction which is well adapted to withstand loin: use in service. The circuit is broken with a positive quick snap action and a minimum of sparking at the contacts. The base mtnll tls are so constructed and the contact parts are so arranged upon thcsamc that the whole niay'be assembled in a very compact manner so as to occupy an. excecdingly small space. Fm the. ny my improved means of connecting the conductors to the binding posts these conductors may be read ily brought in from the top of the socket to the binding posts and are so disposed in the grooves asto be out of the way and protected. Further, by my improved arrangement and location of the binding posts I am able' to provide a socket in which the connections may be made from the 0 en end of the socket without the necessity or disconnecting the socket or removing the top.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In an electric switch, in combination, a circular base, an operating member diametrically reciprocable across the same, a contact member pivoted centrally on said base and an operative connection between so said. members comprising a single peaked cam movable by one and a single springjpressed device carried by the other resiliently engaging the cam.

2. In an electric switch, in combination, a base, a double-ended push-button operating member reciprocable across the same, an oscillating contact member pivoted on said base and movable in a plane parallel thereto, and an operative connection between said members comprising means to hold said-cont'act member stationary during a predetermined movement of said operating member and to thereafter move the same with a quick snap action.

3. In an electric switch, in combination, a circular base, a double-cnded puslnbutton' operating member diametrically reciprocable across the same, ail-oscillating contact member pivoted centrally on said base and movable in a plane parallel thereto and an operative connection between said members comprising means. including a single on-- yicloing reciprocable cam and a single i in direct engagespi'ing-pressml -mcmber ment, to hold said contact member stationary during a predetermined initial move ment of said operating member and to thereafter move the same with a snap ac twn.

.4. In an electric switch. in combination, an oscillating contact member, a socket thereon, a ball within said socket and movable longitudinally thereof. a spring biasing said ball in one direction, a 'ieaked cam member directly engaging said ball on said contact member, and means for moving said cam member to actuate said contact member.

5. In an electric switch, in combination, an oscillating contact member, a socket thereon, a ball within said socket and movablc longitudinally thereof, a spring biasing said ball in one direction, a peaked cam member directly engaging said ball on said contact member, and push buttons for moving said cam member in opposite directions to impart a movement to said contact member in opposite directions.

6. An electric switch provided with means comprising two relatively movablemembers.

one having a substantially cylindrical socket, a ball mounted in said socket, a spring extending through the side of said socket to bias said ball toward the end of the socket and the other of said members being provided with a peaked cam surface directly engaging said ball.

7. In an electric switch, an operating member having a central slot and a cam surface on one of its sides, a base, a spindle extending through said central slot, an oscillating contact member beneath said operating member, and means ncluding a springpresscd ball movable in a run-way in said movable contact member and engaging the active surface of said cam for oscillating said movable contact member with a quick snap action when said operating member is reciprocated.

8. In an electric switch, a reciprocable operating member having a central slot and a peaked cam on one of its edges, a base, a spindle projecting therefrom and extending through said central slot, a movable contact member pivoted on said spindle beneath said operating member, terminal contacts on said base for said contact member, means including a coiled spring mounted on said contact member and a ball movable in a runway formed therein and engaging the active surface of said cam for oscillating said movable contact member with a quick snap action about its pivot after said operating member has completed substantially onehalf of its travel.

9. In an electric switch, an insulating base, a reciprocating operating member mounted thereon, an oscillating contact member carried on said base, a spindle projecting from said base and extending through said movable contact member and said operating member, and means including a ball movable in a run-way in said contact member and compressed upon said operating member by a coiled spring for actuating said movable contact member with a quick snap action after a predetermined movement of said operating member.

10. In an electric switch, an insulating base, an operating member arranged to reciprocate across the same, an oscillating contact member, a spindle projecting from said base and extending through said operating member and said contact member, and means including a cam member movable with said operating member and a spring pressed ball movable in a run-way in said contact member for actuating said movable contact member with a quick snap action after a predetern'iincd movement of said operating member.

11. In an electric switch, a movable member having a cam surface formed thereon, an oscillating member having a slotted runway formed therein, a ball mounted in said run-way and arranged to engage the active surface of said cam, and a spring mounted upon said oscillating member and having its end extending through the slots in said runway to hold said ball against said cam, said, oscillating member being arranged to move with a quick snap action after a pre determined movement of said movable member.

12. In an electric switch, a base, an operating member movable across said base and having a central slot, said operating member having a cam surface on one side thereof provided with similar slanting active surfaces converging at a peak, an oscillating movable contact member, a spindle extending through the slot in said operating member and an opening in said contact member, terminal contacts on opposite sides of said base arranged to be engaged by said movable contact member, and means including a steel ball and a coiled spiral spring forcing said ball against the active surface of said cam for actuating said movable contact member with a quick snap action when said operating member is actuated.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subibcd my name in the presence of two Wit- 'llBSi'CS.

CHARLES J. KLEIN.

Witnesses:

(1, L. ROCKWELL, FRANK I'I. HUBBARD. 

